The Technology

The Principle

An OWEL WEC comprises a floating horizontal duct supported by buoyancy tanks.

The duct in each unit is open at one end, and the mooring system of the platform takes account of wind and tides to ensure that this open end is presented to the incoming waves. The duct has angled side-plates and angled roof- and bottom-plates.

The air in the trough behind an incoming wave is trapped as the following wave seals against the top of the duct. This air is then compressed by the angled side-plates and delivered to the air-take-off.

This air take-off feeds the compressed air to a turbine which drives a generator to produce electricity.

At the end of each duct, behind the air-take-off, is a baffle system which disperses any remnant energy in spent waves so that they do not reflect back along the duct to interfere with following waves.

This concept is the basis of the international patents established and appropriate regional patents have now been granted.

 

Operating Principle


Benefits and Advantages of OWEL WEC Technology

  • Cost-Efficiency-the generation of electricity on a competitive basis
  • Survivability-the substantial and robust structure will allow continued safe power generation during ocean storms
  • Scaleability-the OWEL platforms can be scaled up to +4MW output by the development of multi-duct models (see below “The First Commercial Platform”)
  • Environmental- It is fundamental to the ethos of OWEL that the machine is benign to flora and fauna. In addition the carbon offset from the green electricity produced will be positively beneficial to the global environment.
  • Operational and Management-the unique design ensures no moving parts are in contact with the waves and that the electro-mechanical units are readily accessible for maintenance and repair.

The First Commercial Platform

3MWD

2MW Platform

 

OWM 2000

2MW OWEL WEC

  • Triple duct
  • Rated power – 2MW
  • Overall length – 70m
  • Inlet width – 22m
  • Draft – 8m
  • Power for over 1,200 homes

 

 

 

It is anticipated that a 2MW multi-duct platform-the OWM 2000 will be available from 2016 onwards, with the potential for a +4MW platform to follow.